Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

“I visited the Beardsley Zoo with my younger brother and sister in law in October 12th 2025. At about 2:30 pm my insulin pump started beeping, my sugar was starting to drop. My brother stayed behind at one of the exhibits while my sister and law and I walked to the cafe to get a snack and continue our visit. As we entered from the chilly rain I saw an ice cream cooler, and headed straight for it to choose an ice cream to get my sugar back up. As I was trying to decide what cold treat I would choose one of the employees said it was way too cold for ice cream and suggested their fresh made cookies. It didn’t take much convincing, and I chose the M&M cookies, but when we went to pay(also $1.50 for 2 homemade cookies is amazing!!) we realized we had forgotten the wallet with my brother. My sister in law began walking towards the door to go get her wallet and come back to pay, and the woman who had suggested the cookies said not to worry about it, that I needed the cookies for my sugar and to enjoy the rest of my day. After eating some of the best cookies ever, my sugar still wasn’t cooperating. We made our way back to the cafe, with my brother this time. I ordered a soda and my brother wanted a pretzel, but they didn’t have any. The same woman who gave me the cookies offered to have the ovens turned back on and fresh pretzels made just for him, and she made sure to check in with me to make sure I was feeling alright. I never did get this amazing ladies name, but I hope she sees this review, and she knows that her kindness and compassion will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for being such a wonderful person in a (sorta) scary situation.”

“We had a fantastic time today at Connecticut's Beardsley zoo. We took our 2 year old grandson and he had a ball. Lots and lots of animals to see. It was not that crowded and we brought lunch and had picnic at the zoo. We also went for a nice Carousel Ride which was very pleasant. Plenty of parking and lots of staff around, this was a great day and I highly recommend this trip.”

“I brought my kiddos and had a great time there were so many cool lanterns to see. Some animatronic and some still. All the Colors were vibrant and we had many favs. Was able to easily park and view all displays with no over crowding. I wish there were small bites to eat, if there was we missed it.”

“I have been to this place many times with my son. This time was during the Glow Lantern Festival they have been doing. What a vibrant, magical display. It was a wonderful experience with some animal encounters that really made this visit more exciting.”